Essay on an influential person - how to make this essay better?

Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.

I can still remember his word. What he said just has already seared my brain, I can hardly forget. I am so thankful for him as he transformed my perspective, even my personality. Sometimes, I wish I could see him again.
I went jogging every morning when the sky was not fully bright yet. Whenever I entered the gate of the park, I would notice cleaners sweeping the ground and cleaning the trashcan. They looked very modest in their navy blue jackets. One day, when I used tissue to wipe out the sweat on my forehead, I tried to shoot the used tissue to the trashcan which was not far away from me. When it fell on the ground, it was a little disappointing. I did not intend to pick up the trash as I was appreciating the flowers and the trees, which are more attractive than the trash.
When I was about to leave the park, somebody tapped my shoulder, so I turned around and looked. It was a cleaner; he was short and skinny, his rough skin made him look so much older than he was. "Miss, as you look very young...I think you are still a high school student right? Would you please pick up the trash that you just threw on the ground?" he said with a very soft voice, which somehow powerful to me. I was ashamed of what he said, but I stood in front of him, staring at him with my harsh eyes like he was nobody, just an uneducated and ignorant cleaner. He finally broke the ice and said,"Missy, you should understand that while everyone is still sleeping, we cleaners have already awakened and started cleaning every street and corner of the city. We cleaners always give out all of our effort to the city. We cleaners always give out all of our effort to the city without grunting. Every drop of sweat represents how much we work. Even though we are lower class society, our jobs, although inferior in many people's eyes, are honorable because we make this city beautiful. Many people think that we do not contribute to the good of the city. We wear the dingiest clothes, but we are proud of what we are doing for everyone. Do you not like this park that you visit everyday? Is it not always immaculate? I am happy to keep it spotless because I like to see everyone's smiling face when they come here." Every word he uttered meant a lot to me. I eventually picked up the trash and threw it in the trash can without hesitation, because I felt like there was no way for me to refuse him. After that, I turned myself to him and offered an apology.
I walked to my home with heavy heart. When I got home, tears pooled my eyes and immediately, I wept. I felt sorry for my ignorance; the cleaner had done nothing wrong, I realized that everyone is worthy of being respected no matter their career. Everyone has different story, different background, and different education. However, all of us are equal are priceless. On the other hand, the cleaner gave great effort to do cleaning for the city everyday. He set a good example for me, as I am still a student, I should do my best to study. My future is in my hand, it depends on how I manipulate it. I realized that I should have been thankful for what I have, as my parents always satisfy my desires. Especially while I have the opportunity to study abroad, in the U.S.A., I should have no regret and reach for the pinnacle of myself.

I can still remember his words. What he said has seared my brain.

Whenever I entered the gate of the park, I would notice cleaners sweeping the ground and cleaning the trashcans.

When I was about to leave the park, somebody tapped my shoulder; so, I turned around and looked. It was a cleaner; he was short and skinny. His rough skin made him look so much older than he was. "Miss, as you look very young...I think you are still a high school student, right? Would you please pick up the trash that you just threw on the ground?" He said with a very soft voice, which somehow powerful to me.

I eventually picked up the trash and threw it in the trash can without hesitation because I felt like there was no way for me to refuse him.

I felt sorry for my ignorance; the cleaner had done nothing wrong. I realized that everyone is worthy of being respected no matter their career. Everyone has different story, different background, and different education; however, all of us are equal are priceless.

He set a good example for me. As I am still a student, I should do my best to study. My future is in my hand; it depends on how I manipulate it.


Interesting story / essay. It was definitely moving. I would add how you have applied that in everyday life and influenced others the same way that the cleaner did for you! I noticed a few mistakes and tried to correct them for you, but well done!